H.E. Prime Minister-Academician SAMDECH HUN SEN was elected as the only head of state to date to present to the world a concise and effective vision of completion of SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.

Attending the General Debate of the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly, as the GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS and as the Head of the newly elected 6th mandate Royal Government of Cambodia, Prime Minister made a statement highlighting not only Cambodia`s role on upholding international peace and development but also his country global vision for the world in XXI century.

According to international experts Prime Minister HUN SEN speech was bold, energetic and creating a new page in the international relations and upholding the interest and the vision of small and medium countries and of non-aligned group of nations and also ASEAN vision for the world`s future.

H.E. Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia and GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS, Academician HUN SEN has presented his lofty vision for his country, for United Nations and for the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.

Attending the General Debate of the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly, as the GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS and as the Head of the newly elected 6th mandate Royal Government of Cambodia, Prime Minister made a statement highlighting the new images of Cambodia with stable democratic process and remarkable socio-economic achievements following the attainment of full peace and stability which prevail all over the country.

He underlined the government’s continued commitment to enhance people’s well-being in line with the soon to be adopted “Cambodian Sustainable Development Goals.”

On international affairs, Prime Minister raised concerns about the threat of unilateralism that has undermined multilateral system, hindered global efforts to address SDGs, to tackle climate change and other common security challenges.

Prime Minister appealed for respect of the UN Charter and avoidance of domestic interference in the pretext of political rights protection. He raised specific case of Cambodia where some external circles, who have fed on ambition to interfere in the domestic affairs of Cambodia, still fail to see the quality and integrity of our election process by issuing statements against or attacking the election outcome.

Such actions are a serious assault on the will of the Cambodian people,” H.E. Prime Minister HUN SEN was elected as the only head of state to date to present to the world a concise and effective vision of completion of SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.

The full text of the allocution of THE GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS-ACADEMICIAN SAMDECH HUN SEN can be read out here:

My participation in this General Assembly is in the context that Cambodian Nation is enjoying the dividends of peace, stability and rapid development which had never been before in her modern history.

Cambodia is a successful case of a war-torn country which had succeeded in making a complete and prideful transformation.

Previously infamous for its killing fields, an unstable region caused by armed conflicts and dangerous mine disposals, an economically backward country mired in poverty and food insecurity, Cambodia now enjoys full peace, and has become a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia (the WORLD`S BEST TOURIST DESTINATION r.n); a food exporter; an outstanding performer in poverty reduction and improvement in social indicators. Cambodia is recognized as one of the world’s fast-growing economies, which recently has successfully graduated from its status as a low-income country to a lower-middle income country, owing to its high economic growth at around 7% per annum over the past two decades.

The photo journal of the GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS activity during UNITED NATION GENERAL ASSEMBLY can be observed here:

Notably known for its armed struggle for the power and changes of government, Cambodia is now governed by the rule of law and firmly respects the multi-party liberal democracy, with regular, free and fair elections, held to enable its people to choose the country’s leadership.

Twenty registered political parties have competed in the election which clearly demonstrated a legitimate representation of pluralist politics and reflected what thousands of domestic and international observers described as a stable democratic process in Cambodia and as a free, fair, and credible election.

By their votes, Cambodians reaffirmed their desire for peace, stability and long-lasting sustainable development.

Indeed, the free choice of the Cambodian people and the legitimate result of this election is not a subject for question or debate.

Some external circles, who have fed on ambition to interfere in domestic affairs of Cambodia, still fail to see the quality and integrity of our election process by issuing statements against or attacking the election outcome.

Such actions are a serious assault on the will of the Cambodian people.

Madam President!

I would like to draw the attention of all UN members to the vitality of the United Nations Charter.

It depends on all of us to provide a proper respect for this crucial document by avoiding the interference, damaging, or disrupting sovereignty of an independent state.

We are heartedly regretful to highlight the fact that human rights nowadays have become “a mission to impose civilization” for some powerful nations or, perhaps, as their operating standards as the pretext for the interference under the name of political rights protection.

As a result, the imposition of unilateral sanctions has become a popular weapon of powerful nations in managing their international politics, which is completely driven by geopolitical agendas.

This is nothing but a use of the brutal force of a particular state to impose its will on other sovereignty states.

In a world, where the eras of imperialism and colonialism became the history, we have to acknowledge that not all nations in this General Assembly shall follow the governing model of any country.

Big countries should not attempt to install their administrative system on other small countries, because those small countries also possess sovereignty and legitimate aspiration to maintain their own identities. In the modern-days of interdependence, such an old style coercive mindset should be put to rest.

Together, both big and small countries, must respect one another and uphold the rules of the international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

Madam President!

Currently, the world is facing severe instabilities while the threats to peace are coming in many forms, more than what we have witnessed in the past 25 years.

We are all living in a world faced with fragility, unpredictability, complicated changes, as the challenges are coming from various fronts, including the increase in persistent conflicts and unprecedented humanitarian crises.

We are deeply concerned by the tensions made by a first world class superpower in the diplomatic circle and by the conflicts happening in many places thank to the interference by this superpower.

We are also deeply concerned by the rush decisions made by this superpower to urgently withdraw from major international agreements that threaten the core legitimacy of international legal order.

This unilateral actions have undermined the state-to-state relationships and caused tension in the international community.

Yet, what puts the most pressure is direct attack on multilateralism.

Undoubtedly, in our globalized world, all things are connected. if we begin to adhere to the protectionist policy, unilateralism and trade war, we are closing the door by not welcoming any trade and investment opportunities which have provided prosperity to our countries, both small and big ones, for many decades.

Eventually, we all are poorer; our economies will decline; financial capital will shrink and the ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as, addressing the challenges caused by climate change would be seriously affected.

Those factors will make poor countries suffer prolonged poverty, and thus we are more vulnerable to the dangerous ideology of terrorism, extremism, and regional conflicts.

Cambodia, as a small economy, believes in the interests of the rule-based international cooperation. As a matter of fact, we all have been prospering because of the globalization.

We all are thus convinced that the global trade should not be hindered by the imposition of unilateral tariffs; yet it should be enhanced and supported through the adherence to conductive policies for trade and investment, as well as, the provision of special preferential treatment to developing countries.

Stability and diversification in the financial sector need to be further encouraged to promote innovation and development.

All in all, we need to jointly maintain and strengthen ‘’multilateralism”.

In fact, peace without development is not sustainable. In this context, “Sustainable Development Goals” of the United Nations play a pivotal role in guiding toward prosperity for the people. Cambodia views the SDGs as an important opportunity to mobilize efforts in achieving poverty reduction, as well as, sustainable and inclusive development.

The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) soon will approve “Cambodia Sustainable Development Goals (CSDGs)” which has been fully localized, and we will use those goals to shape our medium and long-term policies and plans for Cambodia.

Moreover, the conflict prevention is precondition for a long-lasting peace. The UN peacekeeping forces play a vital leading role in these efforts. As a result, Cambodia greatly welcomes the vision of H.E. António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, on peace-building and peace-keeping, particularly further paying continued attention to the conflict prevention.

Cambodia is a consistent supporter of the architecture of peace and security of the United Nations.

For instance, for the last 12 years, Cambodia has sent thousands of Blue Helmet forces to join peace-keeping missions under the umbrella of the United Nations.

However, peace-keeping is facing unprecedented challenges since the non-state actors have waged rebellion wars against our peace-keeping forces, which have caused many lives and disabilities.

We are sincerely indebted to the sacrifice of the UN peace-keeping heroes. Nonetheless, their death and sacrifice have not distorted our commitment to further contributing to the cause of this great mission.

Another severe and complicated threat which is the barriers to the long-lasting peace is terrorism.

They have disintegrated communities, worsened the conflicts and weakened the stability of the whole region. Currently, the battles against terrorism have become even more complex and modernized since the terrorists are turning to the cyberspace for their malevolent operation.

Profoundly, the cross-border nature of terrorism requires us to build a multilateral cooperation with concerted coordination, including “countermeasures” and “preventive measures”.

Addressing climate change is another key element for the success of the 2030 Agenda, which requires urgent and focused attention from the global community.

The fundamentals for action on climate change are undoubtedly rested upon the Paris Agreement.

In this spirit, Cambodia will provide full support to the Secretary-General of the United Nations to organize the Climate Summit next year to foster the inspiration to further address climate change.

Madame President!

Finally, I would like to emphasize that Cambodia fully support the UN’s global leadership, and commits to implementing our shared responsibility to build a peaceful and equitable human society who enjoys sustainable and inclusive development.

The world tourism dedicated site will be officially unveiled in front of the diplomatic corps accredited to European Council on Tourism and Trade in order to mark festively the World Tourism Day for 2018.

On the approaching WORLD TOURISM DAY 2018 the global tourism institutions: European Tourism Academy and European Council on Tourism and Trade had launched a dedicated website in order to promote sustainable tourism destinations, to support tourism development and to foster knowledge of tourism institutions across the world.

The world tourism dedicated site will be officially unveiled in front of the diplomatic corps accredited to European Council on Tourism and Trade in order to mark festively the World Tourism Day for 2018.

According to the President of European Council on Tourism and Trade, H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea the new information vehicle aims at tourism and development professionals across the globe and it will provide easy to access, visual information, videos and connections to the most important and relevant tourism and development information websites.

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For more information on tourism development you can access this information portals:

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The new world tourism institutions website will also future information about European Tourism Academy, Global Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals Ambassadors programme, World Best Tourist Destinations, World Capital of Culture and Tourism and is destined to be a one-stop shop to connect visitors with world tourism trends and recent evolution`s.

According to Ambassador Tiberius Puiu, the new information website is a perfect tool to assist in global tourism development, to offer information about tourism role in fulfilling the world Agenda 2030 and to offer to the public coverage of the activities of world tourism institutions: European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy.
It will be a perfect instrument for the world`s diplomats.

For more on diverse world tourism programmes you can discover here:

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Academician Mircea Constantinescu, Director of European Tourism Academy expressed his gratitude for his institution being recognized once more as an instrument for world development and Agenda 2030 fulfillment and encouraged the diplomats, tourism professionals and the general public to take advantage on the fountain of information and images contained in the new world tourism dedicated site.

The official candidature of The Republic of Cuba for WORLD TOURISM DESTINATION AWARD was accepted and dully registered, being the last candidature accepted for 2018/2019 tourism year announced the Office of The President of European Council on Tourism and Trade.

On this occasion, H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade has wished full success for the country international recognition in the field of tourism.

The presentation and cooperation meeting was focused on the tourism potential of the Caribbean island, recovery of the tourism industry after Irma hurricane and opportunities for investment in tourism industry on Cuba after the latest legal and constitutional framework changes and the chances of the beautiful hot-spot to be named as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION.

Cuba has the potential of making another perfect WORLD`S BEST TOURIST DESTINATION awardee considers President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

H.E. Roberto César Hamilton MAGAÑA, the new Ambassador of Cuba, has outlined the changes in property laws, the acceptance of private property and is guarantee by the state and the special support offered for hotel and hospitality chains interested in investing in the booming Cuban tourism sector.

The bilateral discussion, has marked the debut of mandate for H.E. Roberto César Hamilton MAGAÑA and H.E. ECTT President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, has officially presented the congratulations for the start of mandate of the new ambassador noting the world tourism institution hopes for a fruitful cooperation and also has marked the official congratulations for the new Head of State of The Republic of Cuba: H.E. Miguel Díaz-Canel – President of Council of State and Council of Ministers.

The election of the new Cuban leader is a testimony of the desire of Cuba to continue on the path of revolution and to foster new development ways while maintaining the legacy and conquest of the Revolution, underlined Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

President Dr. Anton Caragea express his amicable fillings and friendly interest towards the recent evolution`s in Cuba, that are consolidating Cuba`s economic development, open society and are creating a sense of perfect unity between the people of Cuba and the government. Cuba`s revolutionary transition under Commander Raul Castro supervision and President Miguel Díaz-Canel guidance and leadership is witnessed with sympathy and interest in Europe, emphasized Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

H.E. Ambassador Roberto César Hamilton MAGAÑA expressed his gratitude for the good wishes related to his new mandate and presented the latest achievements in bilateral relations :developing cultural relations and building new bridges of understanding between world tourism institution-ECTT and Cuba.

The parties had appreciated that between European Council on Tourism and Trade and Cuba there are large area of common interests , designed to forge a good understanding and a long-term cooperation.

Marking the opportunity Professor Dr. Anton Caragea stress the significance for the new Ambassador: Roberto César Hamilton MAGAÑA, to place accent on the cooperation in the fields of hospitality and tourism promotion, taking full advantage of the support of the Presidency of the European Council on Tourism and Trade, a unique occasion to foster Cuban tourism potential and international image across the continent.

The dialogue had continued on concrete aspects and analyses of economic, political and cultural bilateral relations and on ways of fostering this dialogue on to the future .

In the end of the discussion the official candidature of Cuba for WORLD TOURISM DESTINATION AWARD was accepted and dully registered, being the last candidature accepted for 2018/2019 tourism year.

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade has wished full success for the country international recognition and encouraged the ambassador to continue his diplomatic presentation tour with a meeting with European Tourism Academy leadership in order to foster tourism and the better understanding of Cuba in the world.

The global tourism institutions of European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy will continue to assist and foster this climate of confidence and flurry of developmental activities that made the country a WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and now the world sixth economy.

Academician Mircea CONSTANTINESCU: EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY leader pledges continuous support for Cambodia`s development and international standing.

The Kingdom of Cambodia has many reasons to celebrate as the World Bank has just ranked the country as the world`s sixth economy as growth rate in 2018 topping many other nations and established investment destinations.

The main reason for World Bank rating was the country incredible tourism developments in the last years starting with the Kingdom being selected as WORLD`S BEST TOURIST DESTINATION, a moved that brought a supplementary 1 million tourists in 2016/2017 and the capital Phnom Penh being selected as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM another landmark achievement that brought a new 1,5 million tourists to the Asian Kingdom.

These successes had brought about and a flash flood of investments with more than 3 billion USD poured into the country tourism sector since Cambodia acquired the WORLD`S BET TOURIST DESTINATION status.

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More about Global Ambassadors of Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals can be accessed here:

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After Phnom Penh was selected WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM, the American giant Marriott announced it will open a Courtyard Hotel by Marriott slated to open its doors in 2018 with a total of 189 rooms, all-day dining, a dynamic lobby cafe, and a sky bar.

Recently in the wake of Phnom Penh being announced as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM, David Udell, Hyatt Hotels’ Group President-Asia Pacific, said: “As Phnom Penh becomes known as a destination for art, culture, tourism and business, we are confident that the globally recognized Hyatt Regency brand will resonate with business and leisure travelers visiting the country”.

As a result, Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, the new announced investment in WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM will have 250 rooms, restaurants, a rooftop swimming pool and bar, as well as a convention center.

Finally, the high-end Rosewood Hotel is scheduled to open in 2018. It will be a deluxe property with 175 rooms and suites.

Now the designation of the country as the 6th economy in the world in terms of opportunities, investment climate and growth will mark the nation as a hot spot for future investment in tourism and culture related sectors, stated European Council on Tourism and Trade President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

These sectors will continue to boom, attracted by the country political stability, pro-business climate enacted by the Academician Hun Sen, the Kingdom Prime Minister and high honesty and probity of his government remarked also President Dr. Anton Caragea.

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Phnom Penh-the new WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.

Read more:

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Academician Mircea Constantinescu, European Tourism Academy Director mentioned also: these accomplishments are the direct result of the supervision of the GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS- Prime Minister HUN SEN and are proving our righteousness in proposing his policies as a world model.

Tourism was at the heart of recent days celebrations in Djibouti as the country was crowned as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM, has launched his new tourism strategy and received the visit of the leading teams of global tourism institutions (European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy).

Tourism was also honored on April 19,2018 in the person of H.E. Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade who was decorated with the Republic of Djibouti highest order: NATIONAL ORDER OF 27 JUNE 1977.

This is not necessary a recognition for myself but a tribute to the role of tourism as promoter of peace and dialogue, of understanding and development, part and parcel of the XXI century diplomacy, commented President Anton Caragea on the official handover ceremony of the decoration.

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On the occasion of the official visit to the Republic of Djibouti, European Council on Tourism and Trade President Dr. Anton Caragea was received by Academician Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti.

A dialogue of friendship and cooperation between H.E. President of Djibouti-Academician Ismail Omar Guelleh and H.E. ECTT President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

Academician Ismail Omar Guelleh express his gratitude on behalf of people and Government of Djibouti for the official visit of Professor Dr. Anton Caragea in the country of the Horn of Africa and for the entire support offered to the state of Djibouti in the areas of asserting the country influence in the fields of diplomacy, culture and tourism.

On his turn Professor Dr. Anton Caragea graciously expressed his gratitude and that of his delegation for the exceptional and warm welcoming ceremony and for the perfect played by Djibouti as the host of African Culture and Tourism Week.

H.E. Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, Prime Minister of Djibouti had officially bestowed upon ECTT President Dr. Anton Caragea the NATIONAL ORDER OF 27 JUNE on the highest rank.

Djibouti is rapidly evolving from a center of great business a central place in international trade and a crucial supplier of security for African continent into an area of culture, traditions and natural riches to be exploited for the development of tourism, remarked Council President Dr. Anton Caragea.

Concluding the meeting with H.E. Academician Ismail Omar Guelleh President of the Republic of Djibouti, according to the president instructions H.E. Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, Prime Minister of Djibouti had officially bestowed upon European President Dr. Anton Caragea the NATIONAL ORDER OF 27 JUNE on the highest rank.

This decoration comes in recognition a lifetime achievements of President professor Dr. Anton Caragea in developing world tourism, promoting culture and traditions amalgamated in the XXI century diplomacy, in promoting democracy and freedom and in the defense of peace on global arena has stated Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed Prime Minister of Djibouti.

The decoration ceremony has taken place in the presence of the members of government of Djibouti, members of parliament and presidency and was live broadcasted.

On the venue where present the Minister of Culture, Moumin Hassan Barreh, the Minister Delegate for Trade and Tourism, Hassan Houmed Ibrahim, the Secretary General of the Presidency, Mohamed Abdillahi Waïs, the Chief of Cabinet of the Presidency, Mohamed Abdoulkader Ibrahim, the Director General of the National Tourist Office, Osman Abdi Mohamed, and high level delegates of the European Council of Tourism and Trade( Mr. Pavel Avramoiu-Hospitality Director, Mihai Prundianu-Chairman for Trade, Academician Mircea Constantinescu-European Academy Director, Mr. Jacob Fonea-Foreign Investment Director in ECTT).

In a strikingly rich and impressive paraphernalia, displaying for the benefit of the world the incredibly diverse cultural landscape of the country, Djibouti has welcomed the who`s who of international culture and tourism on the felicitous occasion of the country being named WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.

The world tourism delegates where welcomed with a colorful ceremony on the Djibouti Airport tarmac and received lush flowers bouquets in a sign of peaceful arrival.

On April 18, 2018, a working session with representatives of Presidency of Djibouti chaired by Secretary General Mohamed Abdillahi Wais, Ministry of Economy (with tourism as mandate), Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Information and with the delegates of European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy chaired by President Dr. Anton Caragea has taken place.

The main event of the week of celebrations was the official inscription of DJIBOUTI as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM in a powerful, music and rhythm driven ceremony destined to showcase the cultural endowment of people of Djibouti.

Actors, poets, dancers and musicians from far and wide contributed to a glittering performance and crafted a vivid portrait of a young and yet cultured nation.

Congratulatory remarks were addressed for the delegates attending DJIBOUTI as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM festivities by Ministers of culture and Islamic Foundations, Ministry of Tourism and a presentation of the country new tourism strategy was unveiled for the benefit of those present.

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More about President of Djibouti agenda for development can be accessed here:

Hand in hand for African tourism future: President of Djibouti-Academician Ismail Omar Guelleh and President of European Council on Tourism and Trade – Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

President of European Council on Tourism and Trade – Professor Dr. Anton Caragea took to the rostrum to announce officially that from April 19, 2018, DJIBOUTI is THE WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM in recognition of a splendid array of natural and historical monuments encapsulated in a rapidly developing country and powered by a dynamic people.

H.E. Ismail Omar Gulleh, The President of Djibouti come to the fore to a rapturous welcome by his people and was surrounded with huge manifestations of love and respect and ululations of admiration for his crowning as a new ACADEMICIAN and for the country assuming the new mantle as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.

In a prominent and poignant allocution President Omar Gulleh, now Academician Ismail Omar Gulleh charted the new directions for his country and promised to further endeavor to make Djibouti recognized and to etch the name of his nation on the global stage.

Djibouti as a WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM has become a center of beaming culture, a beacon of development on the banks of the Red Sea and a tourism center for the Horn of Africa showing to all the region that another destiny free from fear and poverty is possible.

More information on Djibouti tourism potential and strategy can be extracted from these sources:

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The trip encompassed discovery of the Gulf of Tadjoura with the island of Moucha at his heart, old center of slaves and coffee trade and a symbolic place for the birth of Djibouti in the XIX century.

The fabled city of Tadjoura, the center of commerce of hides, oysters, coffee and ivory, rich and powerful dominating the south of Red Sea and portrayed as the white city or the city of seven mosques was a main point of interest.

The astonishing collection of natural monuments spanning from The Great African rift to Bab el Mandeb, to the volcano of Ardoukôba, the impressive Goubet Al Kharab, the island of Devil and the gates of Inferno where all magnificent sights to see.

The opportunities for leisure tourism, balmy sun and sea tourism wherein length explained during the visit to the incredible Sable blanc-White sands.

Finally a visit to the lowest place on the African continent: Lake Assal put the delegates in awe of the country tourism potential.

On the occasion of the proclamation of Djibouti as the new WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM, H.E. President Ismail Omar Guelleh has took the rostrum to announce the country new tourism strategy, to proclaim tourism as a pillar of the national economic development and to express his gratitude to President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea for his support in the inscribing Djibouti cultural and natural patrimony on the list of WORLD`S CAPITALS OF CULTURE AND TOURISM. This is a recognition that will endure for ages for the benefit of all people of Djibouti remarked the President.

WORD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

DJIBOUTI

OFFICIAL DECLARATION OF

H.E. ACADEMICIAN ISMAIL OMAR GUELLEH

PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF DJIBOUTI

It is with great joy and pride that I welcome this high distinction.

Through me, it is Djibouti and its population that you justly honor.

Therefore, first of all, Mr. President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, on behalf of the people of Djibouti, I thank you personally as well as the academy that you are leading for this mark of trust and esteem that you show us.

This distinction, Mr. President, as meritorious as it may be, we take it neither as a consecration nor as a reward.

But as an encouragement.

An encouragement to persevere on the path that we have traced in the development of tourism.

It is always rewarding to be supported in its efforts, especially by an institution like yours that has always defended a vision of tourism and culture centered on the human.

Ladies and gentlemen,

There are different ways to define and perceive Djibouti and its people.

Some speak of us as a pebble in the middle of the desert.

Others, no doubt nostalgic of a colonial era yet gone, we reduce to a sign on which is written “Territory of the Afars and Issas”.

The most innovative ones identify us with a geostrategic basis for the military powers.

But fortunately for us, ladies and gentlemen, there are still many people around the world who do not reduce us to these anachronistic clichés and labels.

For us and for all those citizens of the world who have had the opportunity to stay in our country, Djibouti, it is this land of meetings and exchanges at the confluence of all roads: maritime, land and air.

For us and for all these citizens of the world, Djibouti is a story and even a prehistory that geology, geography and archeology keep telling through times and ages.

Those who marveled at the pristine beauty of the Lac Abbé, those who accompanied a caravan on the salt shores of Lake Assal, those are having the feeling of what is Djibouti.

It is probably because they felt the magic of a captivating space that Tazief and Rimbaud spoke in their time of “a book of open geology” and “a lunar landscape”.

Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen,

We are therefore looking forward today to this international recognition of our country as “World Capital of Culture and Tourism”.

Our country contains sites that are well worth detours.

I mentioned Lake Assal and Lac Abbé earlier, but I could have mentioned the prehistoric frescoes of Abourma or the primary Foret du Day.

I could also mention the extraordinary biodiversity of our flora and fauna which includes endemic species such as Djibouti Francolin or Beira gazelle.

I could also mention the extraordinary cultural richness of our communities.

These nomads rooted in their territories.

But also these citizens who are the fruits of a historic melting pot, and which makes Djibouti a haven of tolerance and living together.

Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen,

In our development strategy for our country, we are very aware to the benefits of tourism, its impact on growth, and its role in the fight against poverty.

In a decade and thanks to all the efforts made to increase its attractiveness, our country has more than quadrupled the proportion of tourists.

Naturally, the Government is encouraging this job-creating dynamic for our youth and generating foreign currency for our economy.

So much so that we have not hesitated to build the tourism industry as one of the economic pillars of the 2035 vision.

In the frenzied global competition that drives the tourism sector, we want to remain lucid to avoid falling into certain pitfalls.

We do not want to sacrifice to mass-tourism territories and ecosystems that we know as fragile.

We do not want to build this still burgeoning sector on an economic model that plunders and torpedoes the ecological balance of territories and populations.

Faced with the short-term and consumerist promises of a tourism industry that often degrades, pollutes and destroys, we want to get out of the Manichean trap of all-tourism or its opposite, for a responsible solution that integrates the tourism industry into a development plan sustainable.

Djibouti has chosen a niche tourism that connects individuals, cultures and

civilizations.

The choice of a tourism that has an important role to play in the dialogue of cultures and in living together.

The choice of balance between our development objectives and the indispensable protection of our social, cultural and environmental heritage.

It is a difficult choice whose dividends, although promising, are still meager.

But a choice that my country assumes for the sake of fairness and justice for future generations of our country.

Thank you for your attention!

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EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TOURISM
European Journal of Tourism is a regular publication of European Council on Tourism and Trade destined to disseminate information`s about World Best Tourist destinations, European tourism statistic, evolution`s, laws, regulations and main event`s. Europe

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Tourism was at the heart of recent days celebrations in Djibouti as the country was crowned as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM, has launched his new tourism strategy and received the visit of the leading teams of global tourism institutions (European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy). Tourism was also honored on April 19,2018 i […]

Djibouti was registered as a member of the WORLD CAPITAL`S OF CULTURE AND TOURISM list, a repository of the humanities most important and significant cultural and tourism landmarks.The ceremony has taken place in a festive and colorful atmosphere in Djibouti city and was honored by the presence of President of Djibouti, members of parliament, members of Gove […]

Djibouti is this unique spot: a place of magic! The magic of the beginning of the Earth history, the geological miracle of the gates of Earth opening and a place where volcanoes are resurrected after 3000 years sleep. The magic of poets and dreamers that where touched by the aura of this pace and in turn they give Djibouti a place in the world cultural histo […]

Africa is on the rise is a well-known trope but the rapid climbing on the top of world tourist destinations is a reality powered by booming economies, improving security, better air connectivity and of course incredible natural and historical potential. A new memento of this unstoppable march toward high-end tourism status was the decision of global tourism […]

On the scene of 2017 WORLD TOURISM AWARDS, H.E. President Dr. Anton Caragea of European Council on Tourism and Trade hailed Cambodia example as a beacon in a world in need of a model and appointed H.E. Prime Minister Academician HUN SEN as the world`s GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.WORLD TOURISM AWARDS ceremonies included and […]

On December 9, 2017, the world tourism and development community have received a new and powerful voice and leader in the person of the new GLOBAL AMBASSADOR OR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS, H.E. Prime Minister of Cambodia, Academician Hun Sen.The ceremony has taken place on the occasion of the World Capital of Culture and Tourism ceremonies for […]

On 27 November 2017 The European Council on Tourism and Trade President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea signed in front of the diplomatic corps and specialists in tourism and trade and journalists THE OFFICIAL DECREE FOR PHNOM PENH as the new WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.The decision comes in the wake of the General Assembly approval for the city candida […]

WORLD TOURISM DAY 2018 celebration was decided to be held universally on September 27 2018 and the official theme will be TOURISM: PROTECTING CULTURE AND HERITAGE! Another decision was to continue until 2030 the world level program of GLOBAL AMBASSADORS FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.These where the executive decisions taken by European Counci […]

Latin America has started a push for tourism development and international recognition. The latest visit of European Council on Tourism and Trade top delegates is a part of Venezuela’s efforts to expand and grow the national tourism industry.The visit of the world tourism institution representatives to Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is the most significant […]

The Republic of Kazakhstan has succeed in a short span of time to accomplish immense strides towards tourism development: the unveiling of WORLD EXPO 2017 had placed the country on the map of development and growth, the event was followed by Caspian Sea tourism strategy public launch and finalized with the creation of the Kazakhstan Tourism National Agency. […]

Tourism was at the heart of recent days celebrations in Djibouti as the country was crowned as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM, has launched his new tourism strategy and received the visit of the leading teams of global tourism institutions (European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy). Tourism was also honored on April 19,2018 i […]

Djibouti was registered as a member of the WORLD CAPITAL`S OF CULTURE AND TOURISM list, a repository of the humanities most important and significant cultural and tourism landmarks.The ceremony has taken place in a festive and colorful atmosphere in Djibouti city and was honored by the presence of President of Djibouti, members of parliament, members of Gove […]

Djibouti is this unique spot: a place of magic! The magic of the beginning of the Earth history, the geological miracle of the gates of Earth opening and a place where volcanoes are resurrected after 3000 years sleep. The magic of poets and dreamers that where touched by the aura of this pace and in turn they give Djibouti a place in the world cultural histo […]

Africa is on the rise is a well-known trope but the rapid climbing on the top of world tourist destinations is a reality powered by booming economies, improving security, better air connectivity and of course incredible natural and historical potential. A new memento of this unstoppable march toward high-end tourism status was the decision of global tourism […]

On the scene of 2017 WORLD TOURISM AWARDS, H.E. President Dr. Anton Caragea of European Council on Tourism and Trade hailed Cambodia example as a beacon in a world in need of a model and appointed H.E. Prime Minister Academician HUN SEN as the world`s GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.WORLD TOURISM AWARDS ceremonies included and […]

On December 9, 2017, the world tourism and development community have received a new and powerful voice and leader in the person of the new GLOBAL AMBASSADOR OR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS, H.E. Prime Minister of Cambodia, Academician Hun Sen.The ceremony has taken place on the occasion of the World Capital of Culture and Tourism ceremonies for […]

On 27 November 2017 The European Council on Tourism and Trade President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea signed in front of the diplomatic corps and specialists in tourism and trade and journalists THE OFFICIAL DECREE FOR PHNOM PENH as the new WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.The decision comes in the wake of the General Assembly approval for the city candida […]

WORLD TOURISM DAY 2018 celebration was decided to be held universally on September 27 2018 and the official theme will be TOURISM: PROTECTING CULTURE AND HERITAGE! Another decision was to continue until 2030 the world level program of GLOBAL AMBASSADORS FOR TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.These where the executive decisions taken by European Counci […]

Latin America has started a push for tourism development and international recognition. The latest visit of European Council on Tourism and Trade top delegates is a part of Venezuela’s efforts to expand and grow the national tourism industry.The visit of the world tourism institution representatives to Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is the most significant […]

The Republic of Kazakhstan has succeed in a short span of time to accomplish immense strides towards tourism development: the unveiling of WORLD EXPO 2017 had placed the country on the map of development and growth, the event was followed by Caspian Sea tourism strategy public launch and finalized with the creation of the Kazakhstan Tourism National Agency. […]